McDonalds Wage Theft Rally

About a dozen workers and community supporters rallied this morning in front a West End McDonalds, as part of the “Fight For $15” campaign. The campaign hopes to raise wages and win better working conditions for fast food workers here and across the country. The rally aimed to draw attention to a new national class action lawsuit which charges McDonalds with systematically cheating workers out of minimum wages, in part by making workers work off the clock during their lunch break.

Linda Espinoza, a local fast food worker addressed the media. “I am 31 years old. I have a family, obligations, bill and needs. I support my daughters. I am currently employed at a fast food restaurant [and] have worked in fast food restaurants for the vast majority of my working career… I have worked hard for this company. I have worked through illness and injury. I deserve to be treated as the hardworking individual I am. I have gone through so much with this company from low pay to insufficient hours, schedule conflicts, and wage theft. We deserve better! I make $7.75 an hour which is barely enough to cover my bills and pay for my transportation. I only want to be treated as though I am not just a replaceable employee whose life means nothing. “

Even though these workers aren't yet represented by a union, local union members have already begun supporting them. “Everybody has a right to organize against an unfair employer. If this corporation gets away with not paying living wages and benefits we all will suffer. If we as union members don’t stand with the least among us we will all take a step back. “ Marty Gilbert – IATSE Local 46 member

That is becoming clearer to many as anti-worker bills are moving closer to becoming law through the state house and senate. “We know that right now there those in our state legislature who are trying to take workers right to a lunch break away entirely. They want to make it easier for employers to intimidate workers into working through their lunch break. If this laws passes we all may face the kinds of workplace conditions we hear McDonalds workers are facing. If we don’t want that, we need to super-size our involvement.”. Said Vonda McDaniel, President of the Central Labor Council.